Last updated 2nd June 2023

Retreats and opportunities for prayer in addition to Whalley Abbey

Introduction

Christian Retreats: Led and Created by Donna Worthington

The Franciscan Centre Ladywell

Introduction

The Diocese has a new Centre for Christian Discipleship and Prayer at Whalley Abbey. There are many opportunities to engage with retreats and prayer at the Abbey.

Visit our Events pages on this website for all current and forthcoming events at the Abbey ... with onward links to the Whalley Abbey website itself for booking information etc.

While people from our parishes are strongly encouraged to make full use of the Abbey, we receive information regularly about other opportunities for retreats etc - some local and some further afield.

We now post these opportunities on this page for review and consideration. .

Christian Retreats: Led and Created by Donna Worthington

Information on all Donna's retreats, courses and training can be found on her website here.

For bookings, please see the website (www.christianretreats.live) or contact Donna Worthington: drworthington@live.co.uk.

Retreats cost £20, unless otherwise stated.

All retreats are an invitation to be rejuvenated and affirmed in faith, to know Christ better and to open up sacred space in order to listen to the Holy Spirit and experience a living spirituality that consoles, challenges and inspires. Varied methods enable Christians to deepen their own discipleship and travel on in their faith journeys (presentation, theological discussion, stillness, prayer, creative sessions, images, music etc).nformation to come.

Courses and training are also offered so individuals and groups can explore Scripture, prayer and faith’s themes and feel equipped to become prayer leaders in their own communities.

Donna Worthington is an experienced retreat giver and worked at the ecumenical Tabor Retreat Centre in Preston, Lancashire, which involved leading retreats, events exploring spirituality, contemplative prayer/meditation and creative liturgy.

The Franciscan Centre Ladywell

Set in the heart of beautiful Surrey, we offer retreats, quiet days, spiritual direction and programmes.

‘Come away and rest for a while’ (Mark 6.31)

We offer a place that allows for a deepening of your relationship with God, a place of welcome and safety as you navigate closer to your Creator. Take quiet time away from the haste of everyday life, either on a retreat or by engaging in the programmes and workshops we offer.

The Franciscan Centre Ladywell is open for anyone seeking some space and quiet time. Join us for the day, or for the weekend. We have day places or residential opportunities available.

Contact us for further information or to book:
Tel: 01483 675575
Email: franciscancentre@ladywell.org.uk
Website: www.franciscancentre.org.uk
Address: Ashstead Lane, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1ST

RESIDENTIAL RETREAT

If you’re interested in a residential retreat exploring the spirituality of the fascinating Celtic Saint Hilda, why not join us at St Oswald’s restful and beautiful retreat centre in the countryside just outside Whitby.

Dates: Monday 6 November leaving Friday 10 November 2023 (4 nights) 2 places available.

Our time of retreat will include a rhythm of prayer, retreat sessions, spiritual reflection, time to be creative, relax (afternoons are free and you may wish to stay in the quiet of St Oswald's and enjoy afternoon tea and cake, or possibly visit Whitby, the picturesque fishing villages of Robin Hood's Bay, Staithes, the lovely beaches of Sandsend, Runswick) - all of which are not far away. Retreats will reflect on the wonderful Saint Hilda of Whitby and Celtic Christianity, including reflection on St Hilda as a 'necklace of light', her name which means 'struggle' or 'battle' and her healing well which was seen as a place for the healing of the eyes - a rich symbol in itself! All this symbolism is an opportunity to explore Christian spirituality in a creative and prayerful way. On the final evening, through the Celtic imagination, we will encounter the cowherd Caedmon, who Hilda encouraged so much that he became one of England's most famous poets! If you’re interested and need to know any further information, just get in touch with me, Donna Worthington.

JUNE 2023

(IN SITU) THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD | Br Lawrence’s wisdom on prayer as part of our daily lives.

Wednesday 7 June 11:30am -3pm

Venue: Our Lady of Lourdes and St Gerard Majella RC Church, Brownedge Rd, Lostock Hall Preston PR55TA. Cost £20. For bookings, please contact the Parish office: 01772 335387 or email: office@saintgerards.org.uk Places are limited.

JULY 2023

(ONLINE) ‘’I am the Way, the Truth and the Life’’. | We explore Jesus' compelling words. Saturday 1 July 10am-1pm

(IN SITU) LECTIO DIVINA | An ancient monastic approach, being led by the Holy Spirit through Scripture.

Monday 3 July 11:30am-3pm

(IN SITU) GLENDALOUGH RETREAT - SAINT KEVIN RETREAT AT GLENDALOUGH, IRELAND -THE CAVE, THE BLACKBIRD AND THE MONSTER

Imagine going deeper on a journey with the wonderful Christian Saint Kevin in Glendalough Ireland, itself - just a few minutes’ walk from Glendalough heritage site is the lovely Glendalough Sanctuary, and it’s here that the day retreat will take place.

Wednesday 12 July 10am-4:30pm

Cost 85 euros (includes vegetarian lunch)

SEPTEMBER 2023

(ONLINE) DISCERNMENT | A time to review our callings and discern the guidance of the Spirit. The retreat includes guided imaginative prayer, the spiritual treasures of a beautiful painting and time to listen to the body’s wisdom.

Saturday 23 September 10am-1pm

OCTOBER 2023

(IN SITU) 'WOMAN AT THE WELL' TOUR - OCTOBER 2023

THE WOMAN AT THE WELL (John 4:1-42)| An invitation to journey to the well, to Christ the Living Water.

At Jacob’s well, Jesus broke strict rules of his time in order to reach a woman who was struggling with past relationships, exclusion and isolation; he listened to her in a non-judgmental way, saw her huge potential and she was transformed, finding her own confidence and her own voice. We will explore this intriguing Gospel passage, which helps to illuminate our inner soul journeys and offers an invitation to walk to the ‘well’, to Christ the One who restores us. The retreat will include a short theatre piece, discussion of the Gospel passage, Ignatian guided prayer based on the beautiful journey to the well and a short presentation of guitar music, words and candlelight.

All Evenings 7pm-9pm:

FOR THE SCHEDULE, SEE WEBSITE - PLEASE BOOK THROUGH INDIVIDUAL VENUES Online Retreats (christianretreats.live)

(IN SITU) THE FEEDING OF THE 5,000 | From a boat, to the shore of a lonely place... healing, the hungry are fed and the fragments are gathered.

Wednesday 18 October 11am-3pm

Venue: Our Lady of Lourdes and St Gerard Majella RC Church, Brownedge Rd, Lostock Hall Preston PR55TA. For bookings, please contact the Parish office: 01772 335387 or email: office@saintgerards.org.uk

NOVEMBER 2023

(IN SITU) EXPLORING THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE DESERT MOTHERS

Saturday 18 November 11:30am-3pm

Venue: Our Lady of Lourdes and St Gerard Majella RC Church, Brownedge Rd, Lostock Hall Preston PR55TA. Cost £20.

For bookings, please contact the Parish office on 01772 335387 or Email – office@saintgerards.org.uk

(ONLINE) THE PRAYER OF THE HEART | This retreat is about the inner contemplative journey and wisdom from Desert and Eastern Christianity. Including the Jesus Prayer.

Wednesday 22 November 6.30-9pm

(IN SITU) EXPLORING THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE DESERT MOTHERS

Saturday 25 November 10am-4pm

At Monastery of Our Lady of Hyning Monastery (£30, includes lunch)

PLEASE BOOK THROUGH HYNING MONASTERY hyningbookings@yahoo.co.uk

Tel 01524 732684 Monastery of Our Lady of Hyning, Warton, nr Carnforth, Lancashire, LA5 9SE.

Quicklinks

Retreats and opportunities for prayer in addition to Whalley Abbey

Introduction

Christian Retreats: Led and Created by Donna Worthington

The Franciscan Centre Ladywell

Resources

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